Underwater signaling device



Sept.' 25, 1951 c. F. BowERsETT ET AL UNDERWATER SIGNALING DEVICE Y Filed Dec. 18, 194? 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 L OO ,rom

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Sept 25, 1951 c. F. BOWERSETT ET AL 2,568,712

UNDERWATER SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Dec. 18, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 Sept. 25, 1951 c. F. BOWERSETT ET AL 2,568,712

UNDERWATER SIGNAL'ING DEVICE l Filed Deo. 18, 1947 5 sheets-sneewl f W v4 WA @www Sept. 25, 1951 c. F. BOWERSETT ET AL 2,568,712

UNDERWATER SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Dec. 18, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 EQ; 10. F1@ 11 C/Eowersei If .1). Baker C'. A.Axel.s-orv @M @www Patented Sept. 25, 1951 UNDERWATER SIGNALING DEVICE Charles F. Bowersett, Laurel, Md., and Kenneth L. Baker and Carl A. Axelson, Washington, D. C.

Application December 18, 1947, Serial No. 792,526

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 370 O. G. 757) 16 Claims.

This invention relates to a signaling device and more particularly to an underwater explosive signaling device adapted to be dropped from an aircraft or launched from a life raft into a body of water, in which means controlled by hydrostatic pressure is adapted to explode the signaling device when the device sinks to a predetermined depth within the body of water.

In accordance with the present invention, the underwater signaling device is constructed and arranged to be fired hydrostatically at a preselected depth when launched in a body of water as an indication of a party in distress whereby the sound of the explosion therefrom will travel along a sound channel of substantially predetermined depth within the body of water, whereby the sound signal may be recorded at one or more listening posts arranged either in the vicinity of the aforesaid explosion or located far remote therefrom, as the case may be. The sound signal actuates the listening devices associated with the receiving stations in successive order thereby to indicate the approximate location from whence the signal emanated whereby assistance may be sent to the party in distress with a minimum of delay after the initiation of the signal.

More specically, the device of the present invention comprises means whereby the depth at which the device is adapted to explode is controlled by the rupture of a frangible seal or disc selected before the device is launched. For maximum range of signal transmission, the selected depth of the explosion of the device preferably will be the depth at which the velocity of sound within the body of water is at a minimum.

One of the objects of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved underwater explosive signaling device in which any one of a plurality of pressure responsive frangible devices may be selected for operation prior to launching the device into a body of water whereby the explosive charge within the device is red by pressure actuated ring means when the selected frangible device has been ruptured as the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth within the water.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved underwater signaling device adapted to be launched in a body of water in which the arming thereof is controlled by hydrostatic pressure and ring thereof will occur when the device has reached a predetermined depth within the body of water.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved underwater sig'- naling device in which the firing .pin therefor is forced to a iring position by a hydrostatically controlled device when the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth within a body of water.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved underwater signaling device including a plurality of rupturable pressure responsive discs in which means are provided for selecting any desired disc for rupture in response to pressure exerted thereon as the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth within a body of Water.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved underwater explosive signaling device adapted to be dropped from an aircraft or launched from a life raft and having means settable at will to dierent settings respectively corresponding to diierent seals to be selected for rupture thereby, whereby firing of the explosive charge therein will occur at a predetermined depth of submersion within a body of water in response to a hydrostatically actuated mechanism rendered effective by the rupture of the selected seal.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved hydrostatically actuated explosive signaling device having means settable at will to different settings respectively corresponding to the depth at which the device is to be fired and adapted to be locked in any selected setting.

Still other objects, advantages and improvements will be apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the signaling device of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an end view of the device of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the line ll--i of Fig. 2 and showing the device in a safe or unarmed condition;

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 4 and showing the firing means therefor in a ring condition;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional View of an alternative form of the signaling device;

Fig. '7 is an end elevational view of the device of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6;

plete understanding of the invention wherein like 1 reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to Figs. l to 5 inclusive thereof there is shown there- `n a preferred embodiment of the signaling de- Vice of the present invention, generally indicated by the reference character I0.

The device I0 comprises an elongated tube II i having arranged therein an explosive Ycharge l2. Secured to one end of the tube Il as by welding the parts together is an annular member I3 havfd ing a portion I4 of reduced diameter integrally formed thereon adapted to have threadedengagement with a closure I5, the closure being maintained in lacked engagement with the portion lli by screws I6. A

Detachably secured to the closure I5 in any suitable manner preferably as by screws Il is a tubular stabilizer I8, Figs. l, .4 and 5. It will be understood, however, that the stabilizer I8 is used in connection with the signaling device in cases where the altitude of the aircraft at the time the device is dropped is in excess of 200 feet. The stabilizer is adapted to maintain the device in a substantially vertical position during the free flight thereof toward a body of water.

As shown on Figs. 4 and 5 and welded to one end of the tube Il vas at I9 is a cup shaped member 2l, comprising an annular flanged portion 22 and a centrally disposed depression 23, the flanged portion having threaded engagement with a casing 2li. Secured to the casing 24 in any suitable manner, preferably as by threaded engagement therewith, is a head 25.

The head 25 has formed therein a plurality of circumferentially arranged recesses 26, each recess being threaded as at 2 for engagement with a ,depth selecting device generally indicated by the reference character 28, Fig. 3, and comprising a bodyportion 29 having a centrally disposed port 30 extending therethrough. Each port 30 is adapted to be in communication with'a corresponding port 3l respectively formed in each of the heads 25 when a frangible seal arranged therebetween is ruptured, the ports 3| being in communication with a central chamber 32 formed in the head. Each of the ports 30 is sealed by a removable cap or the like 33 crimped about the outer end portion of the selecting Vdevice 28 as .most clearly shown on Fie. 3. It Ywill be understood, howeverJ that any one of the caps 33 may be removed before the signaling device is launched within a body of water depending upon the depth of submergence at which the signaling device is adapted to be fired in response to hydrostatic pressure thereby rendering the associated selecting device effective to admit water pressure to the inner seal thereof. The ports 30 and 3| are each restricted by a frangible ldiaphragm or seal 38, composed of any material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as commercial sheet aluminum and adapted to be ruptured in response to a predetermined total amount of hydrostatic pressure exerted thereon as the signaling device sinks Within a body of Water, the depth of submergence at which rupture,

`watertight connection is formed therebetween.

will occur corresponding to the pressure required to rupture a selected diaphragm. The diaphragms 38 are respectively arranged within the recesses 26 and each of the diaphragms is clamped between a relatively thick washer 39 and a relatively thin washer il! by the selecting device 28, Figs. 3, 4, and 5, washer 39 being composed of any material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as brass, steel, aluminum or the like and washer il being composed of any suitable gasket material. Arranged in each recess 26 and in abutting engagement respectively with the washer 39 and a shoulder' formed at the juncture of the recesses 26 and ports 3l is a sealing gasket 'By this construction and arrangement a As shown on Figs. 3, 4, and 5 the washers 39 are provided with centrally disposed apertures 40 of different diameters. It will be understood by the aforesaid arrangement of the apertures and diaphragms te that the pressure required to rupture each diaphragm is proportional to the area of the diaphragm exposed to the corresponding opening in the washer and the diaphragme, therefore, are adapted to be ruptured selectively in response to different predetermined total amounts of hydrostatic pressure exerted thereon as the signaling device sinks within the body of Water, the depth of submergence at which rupture will occur being controlled by the removal of a cap from the selecting device corresponding to the pressure required to rupture a selected diaphragm.

As shown on Figs. l and 5, a centrally disposed recess l2 is arranged inone end of the casing 25, the recess being threaded as at 133 for engagement with a plug 16. The plug 40 is similar to the .device 28 except-that the port 4l' therein is not sealed by a removable cap 33, the purpose of which will be more clearly apparent as the description proceeds. The port Il? in plug 40 is adapted to be in communication with the chamber 32 by way cf a duct 5e formed in the head The ports ll and 50 are normally sealed by a frangible diaphragm or disc 8 composed preferably of the same material as the diaphragme 3B. The diaphragm 65S is arranged within the recess i2 and clamped between a pair of washers M and 45 by plug 66, the aperture 130 therein being of less `diameter than the smallest of the apertures i0 within washers 39. By this arrangement the diaphragm 458 will rupture in response to hydrostatic pressure at the maximum depth at which the signaling device is adapted to function such, for example, as 4000 feet and the outer end of the port lll in plug 4S, therefore, is not sealed as is the case of the ports 30.

It should now be clearly apparent that the diaphragms 38 between washers 39 and il are adapted to rupture at diiferent predetermined depths of submergence such, for example, as 1500, v2000,- 2500, 3000, and 3500 feet respectively by reajion of the size of the apertures in the respective washers 39. Therefore, from the foregoing description, it will be understood that the diaphragms 38 and e8 will rupture selectively in response to a predetermined amount of hydrostatic pressure when the signaling device sinks to a selected depth within the body of water, such selection being controlled by the removal of one of the caps 3l before the device is launched. If, however, the signaling device is to function at a depth of 4000 feet none of the caps 31 are removed before the device is launched and the firing mechanism is rendered eiective by the rupture of the diaphragm 48.

Each of the aforesaid ports is identified as to the depth at which the diaphragm will rupture by appropriate markings generally indicated by the reference character 49 inscribed on a bale plate 52, Fig. 2. The baie plate is secured to one end of the head 25 by screws 53 and maintained in spaced relation with respect to the outer surface thereof by spacers 54 disposed between the head 25 and the baiile plate, thus providing means whereby the pressure of the surrounding water may be admitted into the port 41 as the signaling device sinks within the water.

Arranged `Within a transverse bore 5| formed in the casing 24 for slideable movement therein is an arming shutter generally indicated by the reference character 55 and comprising a body 56 having a bore 51 extending therethrough in which is arranged a detonator 58, the body 56 being also provided with a stem 59 of reduced diameter integrally formed thereon. Clamped between a shoulder formed on the shutter and a nut 68 threaded on the stem as at 6| is a diaphragm 62 composed of material suitable for the purpose of sucient rigidity to prevent :premature movement thereof from an initial position until the pressure thereon has increased to a predetermined value, the outer portion of the diaphragm being also clamped between a pair of washers 63 by a plug 64 having threaded engagement with the walls defining a recess 65 arranged in the casing 2d.

The plug 64 is provided with a centrally disposed opening 66 through which extends the stem 59, the stem terminating a predetermined distance beyond the plug and being provided with an opening 51 having arranged therein a removable safety pin 88 for preventing movement of the shutter 55 to an armed 'position during transit and storage. Surrounding the centrally disposed opening 56 in the plug 64 is a plurality of inlet ports 69 for admitting a suicient amount of water pressure into a pressure chamber 1| formed between the end wall of the plug and the diaphragm 62 to cause expansion of the diaphragm in response thereto, such expansion of the diaphragm being adapted to move the shutter 55 to an armed position Fig. 5. It will be understood, however, that the shutter will not be moved to an armed position in the aforesaid manner until the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth such, for example, as '150 feet.

As shown on Figs. 4 and 5 the casing 2li is provided with a well 12 in communication with the bore 5| thus permitting the diaphragm 62 to expand sufficiently to move the shutter to an armed position, such movement being controlled by a predetermined amount of hydrostatic pressure exerted on the diaphragm.

When the shutter has been moved to an armed position, Fig. 5, the detonator is brought into alignment with a lead-in charge 13 arranged Within a centrally disposed bore 16 formed in the casing 24 and in communication with a recess 15 formed in one end thereof.

Threaded into the recess 15 and extending into the depression 23 in the cup shaped member 2| is a container 16 having arranged therein a booster charge 11 adapted to be red by the lead-in charge 13 when the lead-in charge has been red by the aforesaid detonator 58 and thus initiating firing of the explosive charge I2.

Arranged in a recess 18 formed in one end of the casing 28 is a ring diaphragm 19 composed vof any material suitable for the purpose such, forI example, as copper, the diaphragm being reinforced by a steel disc secured thereto in any suitable manner preferably as by soldering the parts together. The diaphragm is clamped between the outer end portion of the casing 25 and a shoulder 8| formed within the enlarged portion 82 of the pressure chamber 32. 1n communicationwith the recess 18 is a bore 83 into which is threaded a nipple 85. having a centrally disposed opening 85 extending therethrough. Disposed Within the opening 65 and restrained therein by a shear pin is a ring pin 81, one Aendportion thereof normally terminating a predetermined distance from the diaphragm 19, thev other end having astriker 88 integrally formed. thereon, Figs. 4 and 5.

It vwill be understood, however, that the ring: pin 81 is moved toward the detonator by the dia-- phragm 19 as the diaphragm is expanded in re-` sponse to a predetermined amount of pressure exerted thereon, the pressure being admitted intothe pressure chamber 32 by way of the selected port when the aforesaid diaphragm has been ruptured, such movement of the ring pin by the. diaphragm 19 being suiicient to cause the shear: pin 86 to be severed whereupon the firing pin is. driven into firing engagement with the detonator 58. When this occurs the lead-in charge 13 is; red by the detonator which in turn fires the; booster charge 11, whereupon the explosive. charge |2 is red by the booster charge.

A duct or port 89 is disposed within the cas ing 21|A in communication with the recess 18, and` in communication with a reduced portion 9| of' the bore 5| and adapted to bleed the recess 18 of; the air trapped therein, the air being forced into the portion 9| by way of duct 89 as the diaphragm 18 is expanded in response to the aforesaid pressure applied thereto, such bleeding action being adapted to permit the free movement of the diaphragm toward the firing pin.

As shown on Figs. 4 and 5 sealing gaskets 98 are disposed between the casing 24 and the head 25 and also between thercasing 24 and the member 2|. By this arrangement a water tight seal is provided between the aforesaid parts.

On Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive there is shown an alternative form of the device in which a tapered valve 92 is employed for selecting the depth at which the signaling device is adapted to be red, the valve being rotatably supported within a bore 93 centrally formed within the head 25. The valve 92 is maintained within the bore 93 by spring 10, one end thereof being in engagement with a shoulder formed within the head 25 and the other end being in abutting engagement with one of a pair of nuts threaded on one end of the valve 92.

The selector valve 92 comprises a body 95 having an inlet port 95 arranged in one end thereof constructed and arranged to be brought in registration with any one of six ports 96 respectively formed in plugs ||0 threaded into the head 25 and disposed circumferentially about the head 25, one of the plugs being shown on Fig. 6. The other end of the body 94 being provided with a centrally disposed socket 91, the purpose of which will appear as the description proceeds.

The valve 92 is rotated to a selected position by an actuating member 98 comprising a shaft 99, one end thereof being slideably disposed within the socket 91, the other end extending a predetermined distance beyond the head 25 and haying aknob |01 secured thereto in any suitable manner preferably as by a pin |02, The aforesaid end of the shaft 99 is maintained within the socket 9'| by a spring |03 having one end thereof in abutting engagement with a flange |04 formed on the shaft and the other Vend in abutting engagement with a washerl |05 arranged about the shaft and disposed Within the bore 93. Secured to the portion of the shaftv 99 which is disposed within socket 9-1 is a pin |06, the pin extending into a slot |07 formed in the valve body 94 adjacent the socket 91 and thus providing means whereby rotative movement is transmitted to the Valve through shaft 99 as the knob |0| thereon is rotated to the desired setting by an operator prior to the launching of the signaling device into a body of water.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that the Valve 92 is adapted to be rotated into registration with any one of the aforo said ports 96, the selection of the port depend ing upon the depth of" submersion at which the signaling device is to be exploded.

While only one port 96 is'shown on the device of Fig. 6, it will be understood, however, that the head 25- is provided with six equally spaced ports therein, each` port being normally sealed by a frangible disc or diaphragm |08 disposed therein and constructed and arranged to be ruptured in response to a predetermined amount of hydrostatic pressure thereon controlled by the area of the corresponding port arranged within the washersv when the signaling device sinks to the selected depth within a body of water. Each port 96 is identified as the depth of submersion at which' the dia-phragm therein will rupture by il' appropriate marking |09 inscribed on a bale plate Hl secured to the head 2-5 in any suitable manner preferablybyscrews H2, Figs. 6 and '7.

The baiie plate H=| comprises a conical portion H3 constructed and arranged toA follow the contour of the conical portion of the head 25, the portion- H3 -of the baiiie plate having formed thereon a shieldV l Hi, the shield surrounding the ports 96 and being disposedV in spaced relation with respect thereto. By this arrangement the diaph-rag-msl with-in the ports 96 are protected from being accidentally ruptured and water is also permitted tol enterthe ports selectively when the signaling device is launched within a body of water. Y

The valve 92 is locked in the selected position by pin H5 secured' to the shaft- 99 thereof and extending into any one of a plurality of recesses H6 formed in the baille plate HI, Figs. 6 and '1, the recesses being in alignment with the marking |09v on the baffle plate. When the valVeisada-pted to be moved to a selected setting; the knob |0|- on the shaft 99 is grasped by the operator and an outward pull exerted thereon, whereupon the shaft S9 is moved outwardly within the socket 91 arranged in the valve 92- sufficientA tov permit the pin H5- to become disengaged from the instant recess H5. When this has-been done the knob i0 lis rotated to the desired settingY and released, Vwhereupon the spring |03 urges the actuating member inwardly and the pin. H5 is moved into engagement with its respective recess thus locking. the valve-in. the selected setting. It will be understood, however, that a driving connection isY always maintained between the actuating member 98v-and valve 92-by the-aforesaid pin and slotconnection |05 andVVA |01.

Arranged within aY well H1 formed in the'casing 21| is a memberv H82, comprising a head H9 having integrally formedlr thereon a `sleeve |24,

the member being maintained within the Well by a nut |22 threaded into the Well H1 and having one end thereof in abutting engagement with the head H9. The member H8 is constructed and arranged to slideably and releasably support a ring pin generally indicated by the reference character |23.

The firing pin comprises a stem |24 arranged within the sleeve |2| and having a groove |25 formed in one end thereof, the other end being provided with an enlarged portion |26V disposed within a well |2 formed in the head H9. Arranged on the portion |26 of the 'ring pin |23 is a flange |28 having integrally formed thereon a striker |29 adapted to be moved into firing engagement with the detonator 58 arranged in the shutter 5.5 when the shutter has been moved to an armed position by the diaphragm G2 as heretofore described in connection with Fig. 5.

The firing pin |23 is releasably supported within the sleeve |21 by a pair of balls |3| respectively arranged within a pair of diametrically disposed openings |32 formed in the sleeve lli and extending into the groove |25 in the stem 52st, the balls being maintained within the groove by a sleeve |33 slideably disposed about the sleeve 2i and pinned thereto by a shear pin |410.

By the aforesaid arrangement it will be understood, that as the ring diaphragm 19 expands as heretofore described it is moved into engagement with the sleeve |53. When this occurs thepin |40 is sheared and the sleeve |33 is moved inwardly sufiiciently to permit the balls |3| to be urged out of locking engagement with the locking groove |25 in the firing pin and. into their respective slots |35 formed in the sleeve |33 thus releasing the firing pin |23 vwhereupon the striker |29 thereon is driven into ring engagement with the detonator 58 by a spring |34 disposed. about the ring pin, one end of the spring being in engagement withv the flange |20 on thering pin and the ether end thereof being in engagement with the end wall defining the well |27.

The firing diaphragm T9, Fig. 6, is controlled by hydrostatic pressure entering the pressure chamber 32 by way of port 9e in plug I9, corresponding port in washer |03, and inlet port in in selector valve '92, such pressure being admitted when the frangible disc |98 has been ruptured in response to a predetermined amount of pressure.

In the device of Fig. 6 shutter 55 is controlled by a diaphragm |35 constructed and arranged to move the shutter to an armed position in response to a predetermined. amount of hydrostatic pressure thereon.

The diaphragm |35 is clamped within the recess 65 by a plug |35', the plug having threaded engagement with the walls defining theA recess-652. A suitable sealing gasket I3? is employed between the plug and diaphragm.

The plug |35 is provided with a centrally' disposed opening l through which extends the stem 59 of the shutter, the stem terminatingv a predetermined distance beyond the plug andv having a substantially U-shaped safety pin extending through the opening 01 therein. Accidental withdrawal of the safety pin is prevented by a cotter pin |39. The plug |33 is also provided with a plurality of inlet ports |4| for admission of water therethrough thereby to cause-expansion of the diaphragm, such expansion being adapted to move the shutter 55 to an armed position.

From the foregoing description it will be understood, that when the ring pin |23- is'releasedlin the aforesaid manner the ring pin is urged toward the detonator 58 by the spring |34 whereupon the striker |29 thereon is driven into firing engagement with the detonator. When this occurs the lead-in charge 13 is red by the detonator which in turn fires the booster charge 11, and thus the explosive charge I2 is fired.

In the alternative form of the device as shown on Figs. 10 and l1 the valve 92 is constructed and arranged to be rotated and locked in the selected position, the Valve being secured to a baile plate |42 and rotated to the selected position thereby.

Arranged on the head 25 of the device and disposed axially about the valve 92 are a plurality of equally spaced recesses |43, each recess being disposed in alignment with respect to an associated port 96, the purpose of which will be more clearly apparent as the description proceeds.

One end of a substantially U-shaped spring |44 is secured to the plate |42 as by a pair of screws |45, the other or free enr.'- thereof being in abutting engagement with a locking ball |46 disposed within an opening |41 formed in the end wall |46 of the plate |42 and urged into the recess |43, Fig. ll, by the free end of the spring |44 and thus the valve 92 is maintained in a selected position.

If desired, the valve 92 may be locked in the selected position by a nut |49 threaded on the valve stem and in abutting engagement with the spring |44, the free end of the spring being maintained in abutting engagement with the ball |46 by the aforesaid nut and thus the ball is locked within the recess |43 and further rotation of the valve is prevented. It will be understood, however, that when the valve is adapted to be rotated to the selected position, the nut |49 is backed off the valve stem |5| a predetermined amount thereby to permit the spring to move out of engagement with the ball |46 Iand thus the ball will ride out of the various recesses |43 as the valve is rotated.

In the device of Figs. and 1l equally spaced marking may be inscribed on the flange |52 formed on the head 25 opposite each port 96 to indicate the depth of submersion at which the diaphragm therein will rupture. The annular shield |53 formed on the plate |42 is provided with a suitable mark adapted to be brought into alignment with any selected marking on the flange |52 when the valve is rotated by the plate |42 to a selected position.

On Fig. l2 there is shown still another form of the device, in which the rupturable diaphragms are replaced by a shear pin and ring of the detonator within the arming shutter 55 is controlled by a hydrostatically operated device which is rendered eifective as the pin is sheared in response to a predetermined pressure of the surrounding water applied to the hydrostatic device. In this form of the invention, the head 25 is provided with a centrally disposed well |54 having threaded therein a plug |55. The plug is provided with a transverse slot |56 in communication with a pair of inlet ports |51.

Secured between the end of the plug |55 and a shoulder |58 formed within the Iwell |54 is a ring diaphragm |59 having a reinforcing disc |6| attached thereto in any suitable manner preferably as by soldering the parts together, the diaphragm being arranged within a reduced portion |62 of the well |54.

In communication with the reduced portion |62 of the well |54 is a bore |63 in which is threaded an annular member or support |64.

Restrained by a shear pin |65 arranged within the annular member |64 and disposed within a bore |66 therein is a firing pin |61, 4the firing pin being normally in spaced relation with respect to the disc |6| and having formed thereon a striker |68 adapted to be brought into firing engagement with the detonator 58 when the shear pin |65 has been severed in response to a predetermined amount of pressure applied thereto. Such pressure is applied to the shear pin after the disc |6| secured to the diaphragm |59 has been moved into engagement with one end of the firing pin |61 and the additional pressure caused by additional movement downwardly of the device within the water is suicient to cause the pin to shear as the selected depth is reached. The hydrostatic pressure is admitted into the casing by Way of slot |56 and openings |51. From the foregoing it will be apparent that for a shear pin composed of material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as phosphor bronze, the size and strength of the shear pin controlling the depth at Iwhich the device is fired.

Secured to the outer end portion of the head 25 as by screws 69, one of which is shown on Fig. l2, is a baille plate |1|, the inclined wall |12 thereof being in spaced relationship from the head 25 thereby to provide for the admission of water into the aforesaid slot and openings when the device has been launched.

It will be understood that the depth at which the device of Fig. 12 is adapted to be fired depends on the strength and durability of the shear pin |65. The shear pin may be constructed of such material and arranged as to shear at a preselected depth of submersion of the signaling device such, for example, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, or 4000 feet.

Briefly stated in summary, the present invention comprises the provision of a new and improved explosive signaling device in which means such as a shear pinor a plurality of pressure responsive discs rupturable at different depths of submersion within the water are employed, any one of which discs may be selected for rupture at a predetermined degree of hydrostatic pressured applied thereto prior to launching of the device within a body of water, such selection corresponding to the depth of submersion at which the device is to be fired, and in which arming means therefor is controlled by hydrostatic pressure and adapted to arm the device prior to rupture of the selected disc, and in which a normally locked firing pin is released and forced into firing engagement with a detonator by hydrostatically controlled means immediately following the rupture of the selected pressure responsive disc or the severance of the shear pin, as the case may be. The present invention also comprises means for preventing an inadvertent change in the setting of the depth selecting mechanism from a selected position thereof after a selection has been made.

While the invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof which give satisfactory results, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, after understanding the invention, that various changes and modications may be made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended, therefore, in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.

The invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

What is claimed as new and desired to be se cured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, an explosive charge disposed Within said casing, an arming member slideably disposed Within the casing constructed and arranged to be moved from a safe position to an armed position, a pressure responsive diaphragm arranged Within the casing for moving said arming member from said safe position to said armed position when the signaling device has reached a predetermined depth of submergence, a plurality of spaced sealed ports disposed about the casing, means for unsealing a selected one of said ports prior to said launching, a frangible disc arranged vvithinV said selected port for admitting a predetermined hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding Water into the interior of the casing when said selected port has been unsealed and the disc has been ruptured in response to said hydrostatic pressure, and means including an initially rigid preformed pressure responsive diaphragm arranged Within the casing and constructed and arranged to be suddenly deformed by the pressure within the casing for firing said explosive charge when the disc has been ruptured.

2. In a signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water, a casing, an explosive charge disposed within said casing, an arming member slideably arranged within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved from a safe position to an armed position when the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence, a detonator disposed within said arming member, means responsive to hydrostatic pressure for moving said arming member to said `armed position, a plurality of spaced ports disposed about the casing, a plurality of removable caps secured to said p orts for respectively sealing the ports, each of said ports. being selectable by removal of the associated cap therefrom, a frangible disc arranged Within the selected port for admitting a predetermined hydrostatic pressure into the interior of the casing as the disc is ruptured in response to the pressure of the surrounding Water corresponding to la predetermined depth of submergence of the device therein in excess of said first named depth of submergence, a normally locked ring pin releasably supported in the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved' into firing engagement with said detonator when the firing pin is released, an initially rigid preformed pressure responsive diaphragm arranged Within the casing and constructed and arranged to be suddenly deformed by the pressure Within the casing for releasing and moving the iiring pin into firing engagement with said detonator, and means red by said detonator for :tiring said explosive charge.

3. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, an arming member arranged within the casing and maintained in a safe position and adapted to be moved and locked in an armed position when the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence a detonator disposed Within said arming member, a preformed metallic diaphragm secured to said casing in sea-led relation therewith and operatively connected to the arming member for initially maintaining the arming member in said safe position and for moving the arming member into said armed position when deformed in response to hydrostatic pressure applied thereto, said diaphragm having suflicient rigidity to lock the arming member in said armed position a plurality'of frangible discs secured to the casing and adapted to be ruptured in response to diiferent values of hydrostatic pressure respectively corresponding to different predetermined depths of submersion of the device, means including a valve rotatably supported Within said casing for selecting for operation one of said discs thereby to admit said pressure into the interior of the casing as the selected disc is ruptured, and means including an initially rigid preformed pressure responsive device deformed by the pressure Within the casing for firing said detonator when the signaling device sinks within the water to a depth suicient to rupture the selected disc.

4. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, a detonator disposed Within said casing, a plurality of inlet ports arranged around the casing, a plurality of rupturable discs respectively secured within said ports adapted to be ruptured in response to different values of hydrostatic pressure respectively corresponding to different depths of submergence, means including a valve rotatably supported within the casing for selecting for operation one of said discs, means for locking said valve to the casing as one of said discs is selected for operation, a duct in said selecting means adapted to be brought in registration with the inlet port of the selected disc as the disc is selected thereby to admit hydrostatic pressure into the interior of the casing as the disc within the selected port is ruptured, a normally locked firing pin releasably supported Within the casing for movement into firing engagement with said detonator when released and a preformed pressure responsive device secured Within said casing in sealed relation therewith and constructed and arranged to be deformed suddenly by the pressure Within the casing for releasing and moving the firing pin into rin'g engagement with the detonator when the signaling device sinks within the Water to a depth sufiicient to rupture the selected disc.

5. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, an explosive charge ar ranged Within said casing, a detonator disposed Within the casing, a plurality of inlet ports arranged around the casing, a plurality of frangible discsy respectively secured Within said inlet ports and adapted to be ruptured in response to different values of hydrostatic pressure applied thereto, said values' of pressure respectively correspendi-ng to different depths of submersion of the device, a valve rotatably supported within the casing and settabie at will to different settings for selecting for operation one of said discs means on the casing for respectively locking the valve in any one of said different settings, a duct in said valve adapted to be brought in registration with a selected inlet port when the valve is rotated to a selected setting for admitting said pressure into the interior of the casingY as the selected disc is ruptured, a firing pin, means for releaseably supporting the firing pin Within the casing, a preformed metallic diaphragm secured Within the casing in sealed relation therewith and constructed and arranged to be deformed suddenlyy in response to said admitted pressure for 13 releasing the firing pin when said releasing means is actuated by movement resulting from the deformation of the diaphragm, means for moving said firing pin into firing engagement with said detonator when the ring pin is released, and means fired by the detonator for iiring said explosive charge.

6. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, an explosive charge arranged Within the casing, a detonator disposed within said casing for ring said explosive charge, a plurality of inlet ports disposed around the casing, a plurality of frangible discs respectively arranged Within said ports and adapted to be ruptured in response to diierent values of hydrostatic pressure applied thereto, said values of pressure respectively corresponding to different depths of submersion of the device, a valve rotatably suppo-rted Within the casing for selecting for operation one of said discs, a port in said valve adapted to be brought into registration with a selected inlet port for admitting hydrostatic pressure into the interior of the casing as the disc within said selected port is ruptured in response to the pressure of the surrounding water, a firing pin releasably supported within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved into ring engagement With the detonator when the firing pin is released, means including a normally locked movable sleeve for releasably supporting said ring pin within the casing, a preformed pressure responsive diaphragm disposed within the casing and constructed and arranged to be deformed suddenly and sufficiently to cause unlocking and moving said sleeve to a release position, means for urging the firing pin into firing engagement with the detonator as the ring pin is released by said releasing means in response to movement resulting from the deformation of said diaphragm, and means fired by said detonator for firing said explosive charge.

7.In a signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a bo-dy of water, a casing having an explosive charge therein, an arming member arranged within the casing and maintained in a safe position and adapted to be moved and locked in an armed position When the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence, a detonator disposed Within said arming member, an initially rigid diaphragm secured to said casing in sealed relation therewith and operatively connected to the arming member for initially maintaining the arming member in said safe position and for moving the arming member into said armed position in response to hydrostatic pressure applied thereto, said diaphragm having suicient rigidity when deformed to lock the arming member in said armed position, a plurality of inlet ports disposed around the casing, a plurality of frangible discs respectively arranged within said inlet ports and constructed and arranged to be ruptured in response to different values of hydrostatic pressure respectively applied thereto, said values of pressure respectively corresponding to different depths of submergence of the device, a valve rotatably supported Within casing and settable at will to different settings for selecting for operation the disc within a selected port when the valve is rotated to a selected setting, a port in said valve adapted to be brought in registration With a selected inlet port when the valve has been rotated to a selected setting for admitting hydrostatic pressure into the interior of the casing as the disc within the selected port has been ruptured in response to the pressure of the surrounding Water, means for locking the valve in said selected setting, a ring pin releasably supported Within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved into ring engagement with the detonator, means including a sleeve for releasably locking the firing pin within the casing and adapted to release the firing pin when moved to a released position, a shear pin for locking said releasing means in an initial locking position, a preformed pressure responsive diaphragm arranged within the casing and deformed suiciently by said pressure within the casing to cause shearing of said pin and movement of said locking means suiciently to said release position, a spring for urging the firing pin into said ring engagement With said detonator When the firing pin is released, and means fired by the detonator for ring said explosive charge.

8. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, an explosive charge disposed within said casing, an arming member slideably arranged within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved to an armed position when the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence within the water, a detonator disposed within the arming member, means responsive to hydrostatic pressure for moving the arming member to said armed position, a plurality of inlet ports disposed around the casing, a plurality of frangible discs respectively arranged Within said ports and adapted to be ruptured in response to different values of hydro-static pressure applied thereto, said values of pressure respectively corresponding to different depths of submergence of the device, a valve rotatably supported Within the casing and settable at will to different settings, means operatively connected to said valve for rotating the valve to a selected setting for selecting for operation the disc Within a selected port, a port in said valve adapted to be brought into registration with the selected inlet port when the valve has been rotated to a selected setting thereby admitting hydrostatic pressure into the interior of the casing as the disc Within the selected port ist ruptured, means including a locking ball for locking the valve in said selected setting, a firing pin releasably locked within the casing in a safe position and constructed and arranged to be moved into firing engagement With the detonator when the ring pin is released, movable means including a pair of locking balls for releasably locking the ring pin in said safe position and adapted to be moved to a released position, a preformed pressure responsive diaphragm sealed to the casing and normally spaced from said locking means and constructed and arranged to be deformed suddenly by the pressure Within the casing sufficiently to engage and move the locking means to the release position, means on the firing pin for urging the firing pin into said firing engagement with the detonator as the ring pin is released, and means red by said detonator for ring said explosive charge.

9. In an explosive underwater signal device of the character disclosed, in combination, means including a firing pin for iiring said explosive, a casing Within which the firing pin is slideably arranged, a preformed diaphragm sealed to said casing and in communication with the surrounding Water, said diaphragm being normally in spaced relation with respect to said firing pin and constructed and arranged to be deformed 'suinciently to engage and apply pressure to the ring pin in response to a predetermined pressure applied thereto from the surrounding Water corresponding to a predetermined depth of submergence of the device, a shear pin for preventing movement of the iringl pin upon engagement thereof with said diaphragm, said shear pin being constructed and arranged to be sheared suddenly and release the ring pin in response to an additional increment of pressure applied thereto resulting from deformationY of said diaphragm corresponding to a predetermined degree of movement of the device downwardly within the Water beyond'said predetermined depth thereby to re the explosive at the completion of said movement.

10. In an explosive underwater signaling device of the class disclosed, in combination, a casing constructed and arranged to admit hydrostatic pressure therein as the device is launched and sinks within the water, means including a hydrostatically actuated device constructed and arranged to arm the signaling device as the device sinks to a predetermined depth within the water, a normally locked firing pin releasably supported in said casing for rng the explosive when the device is armed and the pin is released, a preformed diaphragm sealed to said casing and normally spaced from said pin and constructed and arranged to be deformed sufciently to engage and apply pressure to the pin when said hydrostatic pressure within the casing has reached a predetermined value, means including a shear element for releasably locking the pin to the casing and adapted to cause release of the pin in response to the pressure applied thereto by the deformed diaphragm thereby to re the explosive.

1l. In a signaling device of the class disclosed adapted to b-e launched in a body of water, a casing constructed and arranged to admit hydrostatic pressure therein, an explosive charge disposed within said casing, an arming member slideably arranged within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved from a safe position to an armed position, means responsive to hydrostatic pressure for moving the arming member to said armed position when the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence, a detonator disposed within the arming member, a normally locked firing pin releasably supported within the casing and adapted to be driven into firing engagement with said detonator when the ring pin is released, a metallic diaphragm secured Within the casing in sealed relation therewith and having a preformed annular channel disposed therein, reinforcing means secured to said diaphragm throughout the portion dened by said channel and in predetermined spaced relation fro-m said firing pin for striking the firing pin a blow suicient to cause the pin to be released and driven into ring engagement with said detonator as the metallic diaphragm is deformed in responsed to the pressure with the casing, and means fired by the detonator for ring said explosive charge.

l2. In a signaling device of the class disclosed adapted to be launched in a body of water, a casing constructed and arranged to admit hydrostatic pressure therein, an explosive charge disposed within said casing, an arming member slideably arranged within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved from a safe position to an armed position when the signaling device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence, a detonator disposed within said arm- 16 ing member', a metallic diaphragm secured to said casing in sealed relation therewith for moving said arming member to said armed position in response to said hydrostatic pressure applied thereto, a normally locked firing pin releasably supported within the casing and constructed and arranged to be driven into ring engagement with said detonator when the firing pin is released, an initially rigid preformed diaphragm arranged within the casing in spaced relation with respect to said pin and constructed and arranged to be deformed sufciently by the pressure within the casing to strike the pin and cause the pin to be released and driven into iiring engagement with said detonator, and means fired by the detonator for firing said explosive charge.

13. A signaling device of the class described adapted to be launched in a body of Water and comprising a casing, an explosive charge disposed within the casing, an arming member slideably disposed within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved to an armed position, a detonator arranged within the arming member and movable therewith, a pressure responsive diaphragm arranged within the casing for moving said arming member to said armed position when the signaling device has reached a predetermined depth of submergence, a preformed pressure responsive diaphragm disposed within the casing and constructed and arranged to be suddenly deformed when the pressure within the casing has reached a predetermined value, a firing pin initially spaced from said preformed diaphragm and movable into firing engagement with said detonator when the arming member has moved the detonator into alignment with the ring pin and said diaphragm is deformed suiciently to engage said pin, and preselector means responsive to the pressure of the surrounding water for rendering said preformed diaphragm effective at the depth of submergence corresponding to said predetermined pressure.

14. A signaling device of the character dis'- closed adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, a detonator disposed Within said casing, a plurality of inlet ports arranged around the casing, a plurality of rupturable discs respectively secured within said ports adapted to be ruptured to admit hydrostatic pressure into the casing in response to different values of hydrostatic pressure respectively corresponding to diierent depths of submergence, means supported on the casing for selecting for operation one of said discs, a preformed pressure responsive diaphragm disposed within the casing and constructed and arranged to be deformed suddenly when the hydrostatic pressure is admitted into the casing as said selected one of the discs is ruptured, and a normally locked firing pin releasably supported within the casing initially in spaced relation with respect to said diaphragm and movable thereby sufficiently to release and drive the pin into firing engagement with said detonator after the diaphragm is deformed suciently to engage the pin.

15. A signaling device of the class disclosed adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, detonating means slideably arranged within said casing for movement to an armed position, a preformed metallic diaphragm responsive to hydrostatic pressure for moving said detonating means to said armed position when the device sinks to a predetermined depth of submergence, depth selective means including a plurality of ports arranged within the casing for selectively admitting a predetermined hydrostatic pressure therein, a normally locked firing pin releasably supported within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved into ring engagement with the detonating means when the detonating means is in said armed position and the pin is released, and an initially rigid pre formed pressure responsive diaphragm arranged Within the casing in spaced relation with respect to said firing pin and constructed and arranged to be suddenly deformed into engagement therewith by said pressure within the casing for releasing and driving the ring pin into firing engagement with said detonating means.

16. A signaling device of the class disclosed adapted to be launched in a body of water and comprising a casing, an explosive charge disposed within said casing, an arming member having a detonator therein for ring said charge and slideably arranged within the casing and constructed and arranged to be moved from a safe position to an armed position, a preformed diaphragm responsive to hydrostatic pressure for moving the arming member from said safe position to said armed position when the device sinks to a predetermined depth o submergence, a normally locked ring pin releasably supported within the casing and adapted to be moved into ring engagement with said detonator when the arming member is in said armed position and said pin is released, depth selective means including a plurality of ports for selectively admitting a predetermined hydrostatic pressure into the casing as the device sinks within the water, and an initially rigid pressure responsive diaphragm arranged in spaced relation with respect to said ring pin for releasing and driving the firing 'pin into ring engagement with said detonator after the diaphragm is suddenly deformed to engage the pin by said pressure within the casing thereby to fire said explosive charge.

CHARLES F. BOWERSETT.

KENNETH L. BAKER.

CARL A. AXELSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 451,598 Malmstrom May 5, 1891 1,314,662 Huber Sept. 2, 1919 1,314,663 Huber Sept. 2, 1919 1,368,569 Minkler Feb. 15, 1921 1,418,606 Swan June 6, 1922 1,617,674 Dieter Feb. 15, 1927 2,462,305 Catlin Feb. 22, 1949 

